Sydney Markets is a world leader in environmental sustainability and waste management. Our comprehensive approach to reducing our ecological footprint covers waste, renewable energy, education and community engagement.
Sydney Markets is a leader in recycling and reducing food waste, achieving upwards of 70% recycling of all waste on-site. This saves the company over $1 million each year and reflects a commitment to technological innovation, safe and efficient trading conditions and effective waste management strategies.
70%+
Waste recycled on-site
13,000t
Organic waste diverted annually
8,594
Solar panels installed
12.5M
Containers returned via Return and Earn
Waste Stream Management
Waste Stream
Organic Waste
- Dedicated Green Point collection recycling facility on-site
- Around 50% (13,000 tonnes) of our waste is organic
- Four full-time staff advise, educate and manage organic waste
- Organic waste is transported to an anaerobic digester facility where food waste is turned into green energy and fertiliser
- Suitable produce is also sent to farmers to feed livestock
- Over 1,700 tonnes of fruit and vegetables diverted to Foodbank annually
Waste Stream
Polystyrene
- 50 tonnes of polystyrene collected and recycled annually (500 truckloads)
- Polystyrene is recycled on-site and reduced by 90 times from its original size
- End product is exported to Korea and re-moulded into picture frames, building products and kitchen cupboards
Waste Stream
Plastic
- Plastic film is used for packaging and securing boxes on pallets
- Plastic waste is collected out of the waste stream as it does not break down and does not mix well with organic waste
- Over 50 tonnes of soft and hard plastic collected each year
- Plastic products are diverted and recycled into many other products
Waste Stream
Cardboard and Paper
- Tenant co-operation is critical to the collection programme
- Waste contractor physically collects cardboard from the entire site seven days per week
- Around 1,800 tonnes of cardboard recycled per annum
- Cost savings of $700k per annum compared with landfill
Waste Stream
Timber and Pallets
- 2,000 tonnes of pallets recycled in the past year
- Pallets in good condition are re-used by internal and external companies
- Damaged pallets are shredded into garden mulch
Waste Stream
General Waste
- The remaining 30% (8,000 tonnes) of general waste is sent to a bioreactor facility
- Over 92% of methane gases are captured at this facility
- Sydney Markets has contributed 1,800 megawatt hours of renewable energy through waste processing, equivalent to powering 280 homes for one year
Materials Recovery
30t
Steel collected and recycled annually
$1M+
Spent on roadway repairs annually
100%
Old concrete recycled as road base
1,700t
Produce diverted to Foodbank annually
Return and Earn
Container Deposit Scheme
Return and Earn
Since 2018, 12.5 million containers have been deposited at Sydney Markets through the NSW Government's Return and Earn container deposit scheme.
Awards and Recognition
2022
Finalist, Banksia Sustainability Awards
2021
Finalist, Banksia Sustainability Awards
2018
NSW Government Green Globe Awards, Business Leadership
2017
NSW EPA Blue Star Award for Waste Less Recycle
2016
Food Waste Management Award, World Union of Wholesale Markets
2014
Best Renewable Resources Recycling Award, World Corporate Social Responsibility Congress
2013
Silver member, NSW Office of Environment Sustainability Advantage Program
2013
World Environment Day Sustainability Leadership Award, United Nations Association of Australia
2008
No.1 Market in the World for Environmental Sustainability, World Union of Wholesale Markets
